“Yeah, I’m a hockey player,” said Dave, who since leaving Washington has played for New Jersey, Toronto and now Anaheim under former Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. “But I’m a father first and foremost. Get yourself tested; it could be you. And if it is, no big deal. You go from there. Doesn’t matter how big of a hard-ass you are.

Being a big hockey fan I know who Steckel is. He isn’t a big star. He is a role player that has been around the league. Regardless it still took a lot for him to come out. I give him credit for negotiating IF insurance coverage in the CBA that was agreed to last year. Most importantly, I thank him for sharing his story and bringing awareness to male infertility.